In the heart of Xizang's Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, once-isolated landscapes such as the Sakpu Snow Mountain have become vibrant economic hubs, transforming glacial valleys and turquoise lakes into sources of sustainable livelihoods through tourism.
With improved transportation infrastructure over the years, these awe-inspiring landscapes have witnessed a booming embrace of eco-tourism, prioritizing conservation while enriching local communities.
Local authorities have capitalized on this rise in eco-tourism by offering curated experiences, including horseback rides across expansive meadows, stargazing in luxury tents under pristine skies, and sunrise performances of "Dabu Ashey," a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage dance rooted in farming traditions.
Nearby, the Three-Color Lake shimmers under the sun, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty. At the entrance to the scenic area, local villager Sangden and his wife run a bustling mobile barbecue stall, thriving amid the steady flow of tourists.
"We earn about 500-600 yuan daily. We are quite happy with that," Sangden said.
His community, once isolated, now enjoys six million yuan in annual tourism revenue, with seven family-run homestays operating.
Seven-year-old Dengar Dhesi, whose father converted their home into a homestay generating 100,000 yuan annually, proudly guides guests in fluent Mandarin.
"My name is Dengar Dhesi. Let me show you around. That's my dad. He's doing stone carving. This is my grandma. She comes here for tea every afternoon. And this is the most fun swing in our house!" she said.
Meanwhile, the completion of National Highway 349 last September proved transformative, slashing travel time from Banbar County to Lhasa by four hours and triggering explosive tourism growth in the region.
"Visitor numbers already exceeded 300,000 last year, and are expected to surpass 500,000 this year. Going forward, we plan to further develop local cultural characteristics and intangible heritage. We're truly happy because we're finally able to benefit from our ecology. Lucid waters and lush mountains are indeed invaluable assets," said Rinchen Wangchuk of the Banbar County culture and tourism bureau.
Eco-tourism boom turns Xizang’s isolated landscapes into thriving economic hubs
